Ex-NRL player Robati's rape accuser to record evidence

The woman who accused former NRL player Teui 'TC' Robati of sexual assault will pre-record her testimony before a planned trial on two counts of rape.

Robati has previously denied that he assaulted the woman in a Brisbane bar in December 2022 and claimed the encounter was consensual.

Robati was axed by the Broncos in February 2023 before the season kick-off.

The case was briefly mentioned in Brisbane District Court on Tuesday after mediation broke down with prosecutors in the Magistrates Court in January.

The crown prosecutor handed Judge Paul Smith an application written by the alleged victim to be treated as a special witness and a draft order to pre-record her evidence.

Robati was not required to attend court and a law clerk representing his defence said she did not oppose the application.

Judge Smith signed the prosecution's order and scheduled the woman's evidence to be recorded at a hearing in June.

Queensland courts can afford additional protections to alleged victims of sexual offences by declaring them special witnesses under the Evidence Act.

The criteria for being declared a special witness can include if the person due to give evidence would be likely to suffer severe emotional trauma or would be likely to be so intimidated as to be disadvantaged as a witness.

A special witness, the woman will give evidence and be cross-examined by Robati's barrister with her testimony, estimated at two hours in length, being recorded on video.

The video would later be shown at trial.

Robati might also be ordered to view the woman giving evidence via video link instead of sitting in the courtroom while it is recorded.

He remains on bail, with the case adjourned to February 27 for a further mention to set a trial date.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store